Aquaculture farmer and manager
Also known as
Work environment
- Usually work irregular and long hours, including evenings and weekends
- Usually work in rural areas, coastal and open waters, or holding ponds and tanks
- May work in all weather conditions
- May do physically demanding work
- Need to be practical, safety conscious and work well in a team
Salary information
Typical tasks
- Feed and care for fish and shellfish
- Harvest and pack fish and shellfish
- Clean and repair lines, ropes and nets
- Plan work schedules and manage budgets
- Train and supervise workers
- Maintain and repair farm equipment
- Dive to clean fish pens
- Work with net cleaners and underwater vehicles
- Keep records of fish growth and health
- Follow and meet farming laws
Outlook
New Zealand’s aquaculture industry is growing, with plans to expand production sustainably and reach higher export value over time. Innovation is driving new opportunities, including open-ocean farming and improved hatchery systems. However, the sector is also adapting to challenges such as climate change, shifting global demand, and rising costs, which are influencing how farms operate locally and internationally.
What employers and industry want in graduates
- Practical problem-solving skills
- Strong understanding of environmental and sustainability practices
- Ability to manage operations and resources
- Confidence working with equipment and technology
- Good planning and organisation skills
- Team leadership and communication skills
AUT programmes
The above is a suggestion only and a starting point. You may need to meet other criteria or take additional steps to work in this career.
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This data is sourced from the Tertiary Education Commission through the Tahatū Career Navigator website (www.tahtu.govt.nz) and used under the CC BY 4.0 licence. Some of the information has been modified by AUT. TEC has not approved, endorsed or tested these modifications. TEC will not be held accountable for any errors within this data.